Is It Time for Joint Replacement? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

About 544,000 hip and 790,000 total knee replacements occur yearly in the United States. But do you really need a joint replacement, or should you consider other treatment options instead. 

It’s not just about pain, it’s about if your joints are holding you back from living your best life. Here’s the lowdown on signs your body may be sending, why you shouldn’t brush them off, and when it may be time for a joint replacement.

See the specialists at Summit Orthopaedics in Lake Oswego, Oregon, to determine if you're a candidate for joint replacement surgery. 

Symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Signs of a joint problem include:

• Ongoing or severe pain
• Swelling and/or stiffness
• Weakness
• Instability 
• Reduced mobility
• Decreased range of motion
• Numbness 
• Visible joint deformity
• Tenderness
• Bruising, redness, or warmth
• Worsening or disabling joint problems

Common joints that may eventually need replacement include your knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, and/or wrists.

Signs it may be time for joint replacement

Your Summit Orthopaedics specialist might recommend a joint replacement if:

1. Conservative treatments no longer work

If conservative treatments haven’t worked to ease your joint discomfort or improve mobility long term, joint replacement surgery may be the effective solution you’ve been searching for.

Examples of nonsurgical treatments include physical therapy, joint injections, oral medications, regenerative medicine, shock wave therapy, bracing, weight loss, and ice or heat. It’s common to try nonsurgical treatments first, but they’re not always enough. 

2. You have severe structural abnormalities

If you have severe joint damage caused by a disease, traumatic injury, or age-related wear, your specialist might recommend joint replacement to optimize your mobility and overall quality of life. For example, a replacement may be appropriate if you have bow leg, knock knee, or other structural misalignment problems that tend to worsen over time if you put off surgery. 

3. You can’t do the things you enjoy

If painful joints prevent you from doing the things you most enjoy, it may be time for joint replacement surgery. For example, if your shoulder, hip, or knee prevents you from taking care of yourself or a loved one, staying active, traveling, or participating in your favorite hobbies, a joint replacement offers the freedom and quality of life you deserve.

4. You’re in good overall health

Joint replacement is a major surgery, so it’s vital to be in good health to reap the most benefit from the procedure. For example, smoking and mismanaged diabetes or high blood pressure (hypertension) can delay healing or increase the risk of complications. 

Make sure you’re at or near an ideal weight, have any chronic diseases properly controlled, and aren’t smoking. It’s also helpful to eat nutritious foods, get enough sleep, and minimize stress prior to the procedure and beyond. 

5. You’re committed to following post-surgery instructions

Following all of your post-surgery instructions is critical to long-lasting success after joint replacement surgery. You must have a family member or friend drive you and help care for you.

You must also be willing to spend two weeks focused on pain control and healing, complete routine physical therapy sessions for several months, take any medications as directed by your orthopedic specialist, and avoid intense workouts until given the OK.

Preparing for joint replacement surgery

Visit with the Summit Orthopaedics experts to properly prepare for joint replacement surgery. You’ll complete a preoperative evaluation and assessment to ensure you’re healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure. 

Your provider might recommend you stop taking certain medications or dietary supplements prior to surgery and avoid food and drink the morning of the procedure.

To learn more about joint replacement surgery and if it’s right for you, schedule an evaluation today at Summit Orthopaedics. Contact us by phone at 503-850-9940 or request an appointment online.